Ralph Anderson, Merchandiser II for the Bookstore, has been named UMBC’s Nonexempt Employee of the Quarter effective April 1 thru June 30, 2012. Ralph began his career at UMBC in October 1984 as Merchandiser I for the Bookstore. In July 1986, Ralph was promoted to his current position.

Ralph was nominated by Kay Smith, Coordinator for the Bookstore. Kay says, “Ralph works quietly behind the scenes in the Bookstore’s shipping & receiving department. Because he has worked in the Bookstore for the last 27 years, the other staff members have really come to rely on Ralph’s knowledge of all areas of the store. Not only is he the co-manager of the receiving department, he is responsible for the Rapid Copy business and for all the setting up and breaking down of the buy back hardware and cash registers and of course any heavy lifting. Ralph managed the FFT at the University Center several years ago and is currently involved in managing the Yum Shoppe. Ralph is always ready to lend a hand and help a co-worker in need. It would also not be unusual to see him out making a delivery so that the department wouldn’t have to wait for one of our student employees to come to work.”

Kay also mentions that, “Ralph is extremely organized. This allows for well-run receiving during the peak times. When most departments are enjoying the summer, Ralph is at his busiest time preparing for the return of students for the fall semester. Ralph has taken it upon himself to store and organize seasonal items, signs, decorations, and boxes of paperwork. This means when one yells, ‘I can’t find…’, Ralph can usually produce it for them. With the retirement of the prior shipping & receiving manager, Ralph is currently working with the director to revamp and streamline the department.”

The Bookstore staff surprised Ralph with a party and congratulated him on being the UMBC Employee of the Quarter. Ralph’s wife, Carol, was able to keep the event a secret and was a surprise guest at the celebration. Ralph was thrilled to learn of his win and the party given on his honor. Along with the Bookstore staff, the party included banners, balloons, and a chocolaty-frosted cake.

Mary Hickernell, Writing Center Coordinator for the Learning Resources Center (LRC) & Editor/Instructor for the English Department, has been named UMBC’s Exempt Employee of the Quarter effective April 1 thru June 30, 2012. Mary began her career at UMBC in August 1987 as an Instructor for the English Department. Mary began her dual position with the LRC and English Department in 1999.

Mary was nominated by Cassie L. Bichy, Acting Director for the Learning Resources Center. Cassie says, “Mary Hickernell led the UMBC Writing Center (WC) from a small program formerly located at the basement of the Library to the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA)-approved center it is today adjacent to the Retriever Learning Center (RLC) in the Library. Under her leadership, the Writing Center has increased the number of student contacts every year including all-time number of 2,420 student contacts during AY 2010-2011. To make the transition successful, Ms. Hickernell worked many hours collaborating with staff from the Library, DoIT, Academic Affairs, and others to ensure a successful opening of the Writing Center this fall. As writing tutors work with any UMBC student with a writing assignment in any class, she spends many hours training and supervising the tutors to help students succeed in UMBC classes and develop strong written communication skills for future employment. Ms. Hickernell is responsible for recruiting, hiring, and training all of the writing tutors. She actively encourages applications from students in all majors demonstrating to UMBC students that excellent writing skills are important in all subject areas.”

“In addition to all of the work Mary Hickernell does to improve cross-campus student writing through the Writing Center and through tutor training, she also collaborates with the LRC Placement Testing Coordinator and English Department faculty to ensure that each year (2000-2011) more than 1000 essays are scored and then recorded in the PeopleSoft system so that new UMBC students are placed in and can register for the correct English courses. Many times, Mary works long hours to meet advisement and orientation deadlines for student registration. Mary worked with staff in the Office of Institutional Research (OIR) to ensure the validity of the online English Placement test.”

Cassie further adds, “In addition to her LRC duties with Placement Testing and the Writing Center, Mary teaches writing courses in the English Department such as English 100Y (collaborating with the Introduction to an Honors University (IHU) committee) as part of her full-time position. Mary works with IHU instructors to ensure that her students know and use UMBC resources to be successful in college. She is active in several professional associations that promote student communication skills. Mary is a respected educator known for her ability to make her lessons relevant to students from a wide range of majors and interests. A long time Catonsville resident, she also is known for her home garden reminiscent of the gardens she frequents on European trips with her husband and family.”

Mary learned that she has been named UMBC Employee of the Quarter at a surprise staff meeting on April 13, 2012. Staff and tutors from the Learning Resources Center congratulated Mary on her accomplishment and shared the decadent treats that filled the conference table.

Each recipient will receive a check for $500, a special parking space, one day of administrative leave, a certificate, his/her name on the Employee of the Quarter plaque and an invitation to the annual Service Award Ceremony for all the recipients.